Deuteronomy 23:24, 25 When you come into your neighbor's vineyard, then you may eat grapes your fill at your own pleasure… This law may be regarded: 1. As another check on covetousness. It restricted the operation of covetousness in the owner, and taught him to be generous and charitable. 2. As part of the Jewish provision for the poor (cf. Deuteronomy 24:19, 20). 3. As a lesson in honesty. It taught those who used the privilege to restrain themselves to their immediate wants, and to respect on principle the rest of their neighbor's property. It taught them to be honest by trusting them. 4. As giving every one an interest in the fruitfulness of the land. Custom and the force of public opinion would guard the law from abuse. - J.O. Parallel Verses KJV: When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel. |